The best travel time for Saudi Arabia

What is the best travel time for Saudi Arabia? If you study Saudi Arabia on a satellite map, you will think it is one big sandbox. This is partly true. The country has a desert climate. There is hardly any rain and it can get extremely hot (up to over 50 °C). Yet other climate zones occur: a steppe or semi-desert climate in a strip on the west side and a highland climate in Aseer, with mild temperatures and long, wet summers due to a monsoon. Hauf and Shamal are not place or region names, but sandstorms that severely limit your field of vision. Keep this in mind if you are traveling deep into the desert.

For the latest weather and best forecasts, check out weather.com. Weather.com has been voted the most accurate website for weather forecasts.

Best travel time

The best time to travel to Saudi Arabia is October through April. This allows you to avoid the extreme heat and enjoy pleasant temperatures. During the coldest months, from December through February, the mercury drops to an average of 14°C in Riyadhand 23°C in Jeddah , and 17°C in Dammam. In March and April, the average temperature steadily rises to 33°C. Want to escape the wet and cold winter in your own country? Then the Arabian winter is the answer! Culture lovers will also be in their element in winter, as this is when a large number of fascinating events take place. If you enjoy diving and snorkeling, it is best to plan your trip in the summer, when the water temperature in the Red Sea is pleasant and the exuberant reefs show themselves at their best and most beautiful.

Saudi Arabia's climate in winter

During the winter months (December to February), Saudi Arabia has a pleasant climate. However, don't forget to bring warm clothing, as the desert climate causes cold nights in winter. You will experience this firsthand during a morning walk in the desert. As long as the sun has not fully risen, the temperature fluctuates around freezing. In the highlands in the north and south, there can even be frost and snowfall. This was the case in early January, after which the Saudis celebrated the snowfall with a traditional dance.

Summer

Summer (June to August) is extremely hot. A temperature of 40°C is the rule rather than the exception. Even in the shade you will melt away. Not to mention the desert, where temperatures can reach 55°C. Add to that the low humidity and you get the picture: it is advisable to avoid summer. On the coast, on the other hand, the humidity is on the high side. But even that is no fun. During the summer period there is hardly any rain in Saudi Arabia, with the exception of Aseerwhere a monsoon rages between May and October. Don't forget to pack your rain suit when traveling to this region.